1977: William Cobridge has sold the factory and taken early retirement, but his wife Paula can't help but feel that something is still missing from her life. She wants to move to a smaller, more modern house, but knows that Nellie, her mother-in-law, will never accept the change. In fact, Nellie isn't really coping with anything at the moment... Meanwhile, William and Paula's daughter Sophie is sharing a flat with her Aunt Bella, who is exasperating both as her flatmate and boss at work - and Sophie wants out..